Showing posts with label Freelence Work. Show all posts

12 February 2010

I Love the Help

If you're like me - you love the fact that you can learn just about anything online.

With tutorials, editorials, tips and tricks, plugins, extensions, code libraries, etc. There is just no limit to what you can do in the world of web design/development.

Here are just a few of the great resources I use: 11 Outstanding Web Resources Online

Labels: Freelence Work, Innovation, Marketplace, Technology, Web Design, Web Tools, Work Posted by Daryl McMullen on 12 February 2010 at 9:46 AM

08 February 2010

Do You Wireframe?

Anyone out there use wireframing consistently in the design process?

I don't - probably because my side jobs have been pretty small and possibly because I do what could be considered verbal wireframing with the client as we discuss what the site needs to do and how it could be laid out.

I typically sketch out my ideas as we talk and then use those sketches as I translate the ideas into mockups.

However, I love the concept of wireframing for a number of reasons:

It allows you to see structure without the design cluttering things up.
It keeps everyone on the same page.
It can save time because the client won't be surprised as often by designs that seem opposite of their expectations.
It helps you have the difficult conversations about information architecture and scaling back on content.

I might just look into this for future projects. But for those of you that are wireframing and looking for better resources, look no further.

Smashing Magazine comes through again: 50 Free UI and Web Design Wireframing Kits, Resources and Source Files

Labels: Excellence, Freelence Work, Web Design, Web Strategy, Web Tools, Work Posted by Daryl McMullen on 08 February 2010 at 3:54 PM

28 January 2010

Attempting Organization

I've been thinking a lot lately about productivity, task lists, project management and organizational competence.

Call it "responding to my environment" or simply trying to swim rather than sink in the new reality of the multi-tasking work atmosphere in this brave new technological world.

Either way, one has to learn quickly or move to keep from getting trampled.

I feel it every day. People are asked to keep multiple projects going while completing a myriad of tasks - all the while thinning the Inbox, following the Twitter action and connecting on Facebook. Oh, and don't forget to check your blogroll daily so you don't miss anything earth shattering!

But that's my world. That's reality for many of us.

So how do you keep all your ducks in a row? You know - the things you're responsible for - the things you could get fired for if you don't make them happen in the allotted time?

Probably by using project management software...

Given the glut of options it's quite obvious they understand the dilemmas we face. Otherwise people wouldn't take the time to reinvent the proverbial wheel.

If you're in the market - just take a look at some of the more common options here: Wikipedia: Project Management Software

Labels: Excellence, Freelence Work, Real Life, Software, Web Tools, Work Posted by Daryl McMullen on 28 January 2010 at 9:50 PM

09 July 2009

Simply Smashing

I follow a bunch of tech blogs and Twitter accounts simply to be in the know about the latest stuff out there.

In so doing I get immediate information in the form of content or links info on tech, gadgets or even tutorials on how to get web design/development stuff done.

But out of all those I follow, one seems to rise to the top in terms of helpful and amazing content.

Smashing Magazine has had more articles, freebies, aggregated content lists, and tutorials that fix immediate needs I have than any other source.

I'll give you one example: You looking to become a freelance web designer?

If you haven't checked them out - get on it!

Labels: Excellence, Freelence Work, Marketplace, Web Design, Web Tools, Work Posted by Daryl McMullen on 09 July 2009 at 11:48 AM

02 June 2009

Crunch Time

Well...it's crunch time around here.

After a SCUBA vacation, conference in Texas and some free time thrown in it's time to buckle up. The ride is going to get bumpy...

But then again, that's the way we roll around here. Our Senior Pastor explains it as "sprinting" and "resting." You sprint for a while and then you rest. Then you do it all over again.

For the Web Team at Granger (Communications Department) it typically hits in the spring and early summer. And this year is no different. Right now I'm working with teams on 4 high level projects being fine tuned for roll out. I can't exactly say what they are - but let me just say a couple of them will be very cool and will help us take the next step in our evolution. The others are annual projects that just need to get done but will also add value to those experiencing them.

On the side things are also running full speed ahead. Freelance projects are suddenly plentiful (with no advertising mind you). I may have to start turning some down.

I'm working on one commercial site and one non-profit site currently with a few waiting in the wings. I've loved testing out my design skills and learning new shortcuts in the development process.

My current blind spots: eCommerce and branding.

On the home front the family keeps growing (not in number...just in height). We're into the summer routine with soccer, swimming, weekends at the lake, lawn care, and the whole nine yards...

Like I said, it's a "sprint" season and I'm loving every minute of it!

Labels: Family, Freelence Work, Fun, Web Design, Work Posted by Daryl McMullen on 02 June 2009 at 11:55 AM